Abode, the company behind the DIY smart home security system with HomeKit support, has launched a new Apple TV app, bringing its full suite of home security and smart home controls to tvOS I’ve been using their security system for 4+ years and am a huge fan of its products.
With the new Apple TV, Abode users can arm and disarm their system, check live feeds from up to four Abode cameras, and view recorded clips—all from the couch. The interface is designed to match the style and UI on Abode’s iPhone app, making it easy to navigate and control devices without looking for your iPhone.
One pretty nice feature is with Abode’s 24/7 recording plan. You can scour through video footage or jump to key events directly from your Apple TV if you’ve enabled continuous recording. That means if you get a motion alert while watching a show, you can check the footage without using the iOS app. If you’re using Abode CUE for smart home automation, the app lets you control certain smart home devices from the dashboard.
With new TV apps, Abode customers (which I am one of) give you access to your security system from virtually any device—whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or now, their TV. The Apple TV app mimics the same design language as Abode’s other platforms, ensuring consistency. If you check the Apple TV app store, it’s pretty bare of new apps outside of streaming apps, so it’s great to see a company releasing a new experience.
Abode is deeply integrated with HomeKit as well. While you can arm and disarm the system from the Home app, the real benefit is that many of the sensors (doors, windows, motion, etc) are exposed as HomeKit devices so they can be leveraged inside of HomeKit scenes and automations.
Learn more about Abode’s new Apple TV app, which is now available alongside an upgraded Google TV app in Abode’s new blog, or pick up an Abode starter kit on Amazon.
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